Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal and serving in the British Army for 15 years, faced the loss of both his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan back in 2010. Rather than letting his own challenges define him, Hari has dedicated himself to motivating others that no obstacle is insurmountable.
Leading by example, Hari, aged 46, made history as the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Everest. He is now poised to achieve the remarkable feat of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents by January 2026, with just two mountains left to climb.
Receiving a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards was a deeply gratifying moment for Hari. “I was absolutely thrilled,” he expressed. “It was a tremendous honor. I simply aimed to climb mountains and raise awareness about disabilities.”
Although Hari has ventured across the globe conquering mountains, he had never experienced a cruise ship journey before. However, P&O Cruises, the new main sponsor for the awards this year, pleasantly surprised all winners with a cruise holiday.
“It was truly amazing, something I never expected,” shared the married father of three children aged 12 to 29. “The holiday was not just for me but for the entire family. We had never been on a cruise before, and it was a perfect opportunity for us to spend quality time together doing new things.”
Embarking on a spring voyage to the Norwegian Fjords, Hari’s family relished a week of exploring ashore and indulging in the amenities aboard the cruise ship Iona. Ashore, they savored the breathtaking landscapes of mountains, glaciers, and fjords, discovering new ways to appreciate the stunning scenery together.
A highlight of their journey was ascending Mount Hoven near Olden via the Loen Skylift, one of the world’s steepest cable cars, offering panoramic views of Nordfjord. “The Skylift was an incredible experience,” Hari recounted. “Playing in the snow at the top and visiting the bar and glass-floored lookout were both thrilling and fun.”
Exploring the fjord village of Olden by train, known for its picturesque valleys, peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls, was another memorable experience for Hari. “It was ideal for anyone with mobility challenges or a preference for shorter walks, which suited me perfectly,” he remarked.
Onboard the ship, the family made the most of the amenities, including the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa. Dressing up for Celebration Night was a highlight, reflecting the diverse experiences they enjoyed during the week.
A particularly cherished memory for Hari was celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a lavish family dinner at Epicurean, where they indulged in a six-course meal and a special birthday cake.
Embracing the opportunity to share his inspirational journey with fellow guests on Iona, Hari delivered a motivational talk, receiving positive feedback and engaging conversations from many onboard.
Despite his mountainous background, Hari discovered a newfound love for the sea during his cruise experience. “We are looking forward to planning another cruise holiday in the future,” he revealed, praising the ship’s accessibility and the accommodating nature of the crew.
Encouraging others in similar situations to embark on a cruise adventure, Hari emphasized the importance of seeking help, staying positive, and enjoying the journey. “Once you start, you always find a way. People are friendly and willing to assist,” he concluded.